Peugeot 208 GTi: Continuing Peugeot’s motorsport heritage

MANILA, Philippines - With the Peugeot 208 GTi, the French automobile manufacturer’s objective was to produce an engaging sporty performance car that puts a premium on driving pleasure. Basically, Peugeot wanted to create an experience that speaks immediately to all enthusiasts: combining performance, power, reactivity, and an aura of respect and desire all in one package. While the Peugeot 205 GTi was naturally Peugeot’s inspiration, the 208 GTi is its modern interpretation.

Peugeot’s involvement in motorsport has undoubtedly been one of the broadest ever seen over the decades. The make has claimed titles in the World Rally Championship and Sportscar World Championship, while its ventures into such celebrated competitions at Dakar, Pikes Peak, Le Mans and Indianapolis have all been crowned with success. With the 208 GTi, Peugeot saw another opportunity to further enhance its motorsport reputation: by joining the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship, a series that is set to commence in May 2014—and one that will undoubtedly solidify the 208 GTi’s already sterling reputation as a total performer.

Tomorrow, at the opening day of the 10th Manila International Auto Show, Peugeot local importer and distributor Eurobrands Distributor Inc., will unveil a replica of the 208 T16 R2, one of the many guises of the 208 GTi in the world of motorsports. The original 208 T16 R2 has competed in the European Rally Car championship as well as the Nurbugring 20-Hour Race. It gives Philippine car enthusiasts a glimpse into how such a small wonder of engineering can become a menacing and dominant machine on the race track.

No doubt, the 208 GTi is one of the most anticipated releases in the Philippines for 2014. Truly, the 208 GTi is a testament to Peugeot’s unwavering commitment to produce only the best products for its growing market. Soon, these wonders of modern engineering will be adorning local Peugeot showrooms all over the country.